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There’s no doubt that connecting with nature improves our mental health. Recent figures suggest that wellbeing, self-confidence and employability improve when young people spend time in green spaces. 95% said it boosted their confidence and 86% said it had a positive effect on their mental health. Being in nature also helps to reduces loneliness in cities, according to a study published in the Scientific Reports journal.

This summer we created a short film that demonstrates just how important it is for children to get out in nature, to be among trees, in green spaces, and with friends. It was created as part of our Holiday Activities and Food Summer Club (commissioned by East Sussex County Council), and in partnership with the South Downs National Park Trust. With young filmmaker Luke Lebihan behind the camera, we explored the Seven Sisters Country Park, had photography and sound recording sessions at Friston Forest, and went river paddleboarding. It was an unforgettable summer.

These trips out really helped everyone to leave their worries behind, and to be in the moment.

“Lockdown was very boring – I didn’t really have anyone to talk to. This is a break from normal life and it’s good fun. You stop worrying about things that you normally worry about and you’re able to just enjoy yourself.”

Young person attending Make (Good) Trouble’s Summer Club at the South Downs National Park

Amanda Elmes, who leads learning and outreach in the South Downs National Park, said:

“It’s been wonderful to work with these teenagers and see them blossom through this experience.

“Unfortunately a significant proportion of young people are disconnected from the natural world around them and the pandemic has only exacerbated this. We’re really passionate at the National Park about giving young people opportunities to get out into the South Downs, learn about nature and have fun – they might even come home with muddy shoes! The testimonials we have had really support all the research that getting out into green, natural spaces is good for children’s mental health and wellbeing. We strongly believe that all children should have access to nature.”

Make (Good) Trouble’s Summer Club attendees looking out over Cuckmere Haven

Read the article on South Downs National Park website

Further resources for making the most of the great outdoors

Educational guide packed with ideas for things to do: 50 ways forest and outdoor learning experiences benefit child development

Forest England resources for teachers (we think young people and parents will find some great info here too like tree identification charts and the teacher’s blog)

Finding balance: 6 ways to help your teen study (and avoid burnout) from My Tutor

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Make (Good) Trouble and Sussex University are thrilled to announce the award winning comic and audiobook Sci-Fi series, The Rez has been awarded a PSHE Quality Mark for their new teaching guide and school lesson plans for Key Stage 2.

Make (Good) Trouble worked with the PSHE Association, Sussex University and educators to develop the lesson plans which support teachers in delivering lessons on kindness as part of PSHE education. The guides are designed to create a safe and engaging learning environment in which to teach about kindness and communication

“Our research shows that unfortunately a significant proportion of children are frequently on the receiving end of bullying behaviours. Developing empathy and encouraging kindness can make a big difference when it comes to bullying, so resources that support teachers to bring this into their classroom this are extremely valuable.”  Martha Evans, Director of Anti-Bullying Alliance

The Rez was developed by UK Comic Book Laureate Hannah Berry and a team of writers and psychologists, including Robin Banerjee, Professor of Kindness and Head of Psychology at University of Sussex. 

This comic book contains pro-social and emotional well-being messaging about friendship and kindness, designed to help young people prepare to negotiate emotional difficulties and stresses.

The Rez’s heroes are played by Karl Queensborough, who played Hamilton in the West End show of the same name, and Emily Burnett, Children’s BAFTA award winner.

👉 Download the lesson plans here!

The Rez is produced in collaboration with: 

Make (Good) Trouble CIC
University of Sussex
PHSE Association
Arts Council England
University of Brighton
Hopscotch
Anti Bullying Alliance
Periscope
Millipedia

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When we run our holiday clubs, we start by asking the young attendees to agree their own rules. The one thing that is always on the list is “no bullying”. 

This summer our rules also included “be kind”, “be polite”, “listen to each other”, “no name calling”, “no offensive language”, and of course, “have fun”. These rules all help to promote a culture of inclusion and friendliness and create a club that young people want to come back to day after day. 

Make (Good) Trouble club rules

This year, Make (Good) Trouble joined the Anti Bullying Alliance. We want to help raise awareness of the issues around bullying. Did you know that 25% of school pupils have been bullied “a lot of always” (ABA research, 2016)? Did you know that bullying can have long-lasting effects, right into adulthood? And that those at risk of being targeted are more likely to be looked after children; registered as SEN; LGBTQ+; those of a different faith; children on free school meals; or those with a disability. 

So we have signed up to the alliance which:

  • believes bullying in any form is wrong and should not be tolerated, and that any environment that encourages bullying, or shows indifference to prejudice and discrimination is unacceptable;
  • believes bullying is a behaviour choice and that anyone can be encouraged to change their behaviour;
  • believes all children and young people have intrinsic value and worth and we embrace their uniqueness and autonomy;
  • respects difference and welcome diversity in our children, young people and in society in general, and believe our work should be inclusive of all;
  • believes children and young people should have the right to feel safe, secure and valued, and that creating a safe environment and dealing with bullying is our shared responsibility;
  • believes children and young people should actively participate in decisions that affect them and should be supported in taking responsibility for their choices and subsequent actions;
  • supports a range of positive strategies to deal with bullying and actively challenge the use of humiliation, fear,  ridicule and other similar approaches in an effort to reduce bullying;
  • works within the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (Articles 14 and 28); and
  • believes that people should be treated with respect and courtesy.

The Anti Bullying Alliance has loads of great free training and resources on their website. We hope you’ll be moved to join the alliance. 

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As part of our programme of parent and carer get-togethers – our amazing beach walks – we spoke to psychotherapist Donna Peters-Lamb about teen mental health, wellbeing and tips for dealing with:

  • school stress
  • anxiety and exam stress – including how to speak to your teenager and the school about anxiety
  • the teenage brain – when teens seem like they just don’t care!
  • how to manage conversations around their mental health
  • breathing techniques for de-stressing
  • sleep and creating a better sleep routine
  • setting boundaries and expectations – around what we expect as parents, and what our teenagers expect
  • how to look after ourselves
  • and the benefits of having ‘worry time’.

It’s a fascinating discussion, so grab a cuppa and dive in!

This project has been supported by the Sussex Care Partnership, Brighton & Hove City Council

Brighton & Hove City Council logo

For further help & advice

If you need further help or advice, check our Help pages – they cover lots of different topics. (If we’ve missed something, let us know!)

Find out more about Donna at Make Sense Psychotherapy